Replies

America doesn't ignore its poorest citizens. Americans have a different philosophy than many Europeans. We believe in individual self reliance. I lived overseas for 9 years (4 years in Germany). I have traveled to 35 different countries (some don't exist any more).

My four years in Germany were wonderful. I loved the country and people. However, I was shocked at the level of state control and socialism. Employment benefits are unbelievable. Workers would say home at nearly full salary, not looking for a job for a year or more. 6 weeks of paid vacation and a CURE vacation every four years. The taxes were so high, my office had Germnan local national employees in high salary positions refuse bonuses since the Government would get 60% of the bonus in taxes. One worker explained to me, why should I try to get a promotion, its more stress and the extra pay is mainly paid in taxes. The US tried to fire a worker for taking a bribe and we still had to pay him severance costs.
Also, everything is regulated strictly in Germany. When you move to a new neighborhood, you have to go down to the Post Office and register so the government knows where you live all the time. The stores were closed when most people are off work, so you almost have to take off work to shop. The only place that is virtually unregulated in the autobahn where people can drive as fast as they want.
I can see why socialism was born in Germany.
It is a wonderful country, and the only thing that saves it is that the people are smart and have a culture of industriousness.
Socialism fosters dependence and damages self-reliance.
Long live free enterprise.